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Elysium Tide

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Member Reviews

Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal is a fantastic novel about a high strung surgeon turned detective in paradise. This book will keep your attention throughout. I really appreciate the research that the author did to write this book. The detail as a surgeon and the detail in Hawaii— all of it felt authentic and immersive. Such a great book throughout. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

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I enjoyed this one immensely. It was a different and refreshing take on the suspense genre. I liked that the main character was not law enforcement and was a little bit of a grey character. There was a touch of a similar vibe to the TV show ‘Death in Paradise’ and I loved that! I’ve loved everything James R Hannibal has written and look forward to reading more.

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I was excited to read another Hannibal after finishing the Paris Betrayal. Overall I really enjoyed this one! I was thrown for a bit of a loop because this book was not exactly what I was expecting. I don't even know what exactly I was expecting, but it was so different, and not in a bad way. I really loved Peter and his sass. I also loved the Hawaiian setting; I do love a good hawaiian story! THis book is full of mystery and intrigue and twists and turns. Hannibal also has a very unique writing style that I greatly enjoyed! Overall, this was an enjoyable read!

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This story kept me riveted to the page. I could not put the book down. This is fast paced with quite a bit of action. Peter and Lisa work great together. I also loved Tuna who will make you laugh. I loved the descriptions of Hawaii. This is a wonderful thriller. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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I liked the setting of this story and it was well written, but I just never could accept that a neurosurgeon on forced vacation could team up with a special agent to solve a murder. Good mystery, though.

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Elysium Tide takes you to Hawaii, immerses you in the culture while giving you the suspense you come to expect from James R. Hannibal. Dare I hope they'll be future books featuring Dr. Chesterfield and Det Kealoha?

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Dr. Peter Chesterfield is an arrogant top neurosurgeon at the Royal London Hospital. After a scene in the surgery theater, he was ordered to a resort in Maui for much needed rest and a medical symposium. Shortly after his arrival, he pulled a woman from the water. Although he tried his best to revive her, she did not make it. Peter is a man who thinks very highly of himself and relies only on himself. As things progress on in the story, he begins to think of the fork in the road at death and what if there is life after death.
Detective Lisa and Peter begin to work together to solve the crimes going on with both their lives being in danger.
This is a fast-paced action/suspense story with lots of twists and turns. It was difficult for me to figure out who the murderer was. It ended as though there could be a sequel. I hope so.
I was given an apy by the publisher, Revell through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

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Elysium Tide is an engrossing, fast-paced suspense novel with two engaging protagonists. The idyllic tropical setting contrasts with the thrilling action of the story — much like Dr. Peter Chesterfield and Detective Lisa Kealoha form an unlikely, seemingly-opposite crime solving pair.

I enjoyed both points of view: Lisa’s, which is Hawaii-Five-O like in its cop drama and family connections; and Peter’s, whose analytical approach to logic is as entertaining as it is fascinating. Peter’s perspective has to be my favorite, though, for his character growth and subtle shift in perspective as his trials in the story bring up questions of faith and control.

The story has layers for the reader to discover, with Lisa finding a bigger web of crime and a personal connection to the suspects. I was surprised by twists until the final chapter, which I’ll mark as an impressive writing feat for Hannibal and just one more reason I’m a big fan of his stories.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

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Elysium Tide written by James R. Hannibal is slow to start but ramps up into a heart thumping thriller! When a neurosurgeon from London, Dr. Peter Chesterfield, heads to Hawaii for a medical seminar and finds himself rescuing a woman on the beach with a skull fracture, unanswered questions emerge and his curiosity gets the best of him. The investigator on the case, Lisa Kealoha, will join forces with Peter as their two worlds collide. Readers will go on a journey built on conspiracy, murder and Maui's gang culture. It's like a reading an episode of Hawaii 5-0! This read will have you holding your breath with the suspense and then releasing it with a hint of faith and romantic notions (barely). If you are a fan of a mysteries with well-developed characters and beautiful settings, Elysium Tide will be a perfect choice!

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This is my first book by this author. It won't be the last one I read by him. At first the story started out slow and I wasn't sure I would like the book. The farther along I got into it, the more I was hooked. Peter is a very good neurosurgeon, and he knows it. He's to the point of being arrogant about it. His supervisor sends him to Hawaii for a conference so he can relax and destress. Lisa is a detective who recently worked for Los Angeles police force. She's now in charge of the gang division. Peter and Lisa clash when Peter tries to save the life of a drowning victim. Eventually Lisa sees the value of Peters help. Lisa has trouble at work also as there is resentment to her being there and her position not given to someone in the ranks. Peter is an atheist who is having his beliefs challenged by those around him. There is no real preaching in this book. But it talks about leaning on God to get through the tough times and where are final destination lies.

I recommend this book to all who like a good mystery.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway.

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An exotic setting, two investigators getting in the other's way, a case that's mildly suspenseful, written well but not excellent.

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James Hannibal has fast become one of my favorite go-to authors for this genre. His books are always so clever and I do so love a smart book! Engaging, fast-paced, with unforgettable characters. Can’t wait for his next book!

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Peter Chesterfield, the top neurosurgeon at the Royal London Hospital and a workaholic, receives orders to spend a few weeks at a conference in Hawaii. Here, he stumbles upon a murder and begins to investigate, to the consternation of local lead detective Lisa Kealoha. Together, the pair discover clues that could reveal the identity of the murderers and an unexpected crime ring.
James R. Hannibal writes in a clever way. He caught my attention from the very first page, and I stayed engaged until the end. The book includes fun facts and historical references, plus witty dialogue and plenty of action. The plot twists were predictable but still interesting. I also appreciated the local details and insights into Hawaiian culture, plus the author's compassionate approach to anxiety and mindfulness. There is a faith element to this book, but it's not the focus.
I can't wait until the next book in this series - or at least I hope this becomes a series!

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When I accepted to do a book review of this book, I didn’t know James R. Hannibal at all. I was unsure at the beginning if I’d like the book, as it started out with a good deal of suspense. However, I got into it, and I came to enjoy the story.

The Story of Elysium Tide
Dr Peter Chesterfield is a brilliant neurosurgeon who is driven to succeed, but has anger management issues, and is sent away to stay at the Elysium Grand in Hawaii for some rest and recuperation. Shortly after his arrival, he discovers a dead woman on the beach and becomes involved with Detective Lisa Kealona. Peter cannot seem to resist acting as an amateur detective, to the detective’s intense annoyance.

This is a great mystery set in front of a tropical backdrop. It is not a typical romance story, and is refreshingly clean despite the action and many tense scenes.

Who will enjoy reading Elysium Tide?
Readers who enjoy fast-moving crime with a hint of romance, but not a full-on love story, will be the top of the list of those who enjoy Elysium Tide.

Disclosure:
I received a free copy with no expectation of a positive or negative review from the publisher. The opinions are my own.

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Exhilarating!! Hands down, this suspense is in my top two favorite reads this year! It starts in England with a traumatic Grey's Anatomy-like scene (without the love drama). A critical brain surgery is going downhill quickly, and the surgeon, Dr. Peter, starts kicking people out of the OR.
Suddenly, you're drowning in Hawaii danger with Detective Lisa.
Unique twists and turns bring Dr. Peter and Detective Lisa together in an incredibly thrilling story. While there are homemade bombs, car theft, and deaths, there aren't gruesome descriptive scenes in this fast-paced gem.
My daughter kept raising her eyebrows when I kept squealing toward the end, "Omg! I can't read this! I'm too anxious to read it!" Yet I couldn't put the book down, lol. I practically read it in one sitting, and that doesn't happen often. I loved the subtle message of faith as Dr. Peter struggles with the fear of not knowing what lies ahead in the afterlife.
This is 5 star-material all the way!!!!!
I was given this copy but was not required to provide a good review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Obsession & determination meet to catch a killer...

I'll admit that it took me awhile to get into the story at first. I just seemed to dawdle for longer than I should have through the first few chapters, but, then, there was a shift in either the storyline or in my attention span because I took off reading like crazy and pretty much finished Elysium Tide in a single afternoon.

I'm pretty new to Jame R. Hannibal's fiction. Up until now I'd only read one of his YA fantasy titles, which, quite obviously, was a totally different genre than Elysium Tide. Fantasy and Thriller are two very different genres so I wondered if James R. Hannibal would be able pull both of them off successfully. The answer is yes he did.

You ever read one of those books with more twists and turns than a freeway interchange in a major city? Where the case seems closed, but it's not, more than once? Yeah, Elysium Tide was one of those. While I had bits and pieces figured out there were so many threads and tentacles to this mystery that I was kept guessing and even surprised a few times.

My second read from James R. Hannibal was a good one for sure. With most of Christian fiction seeming to be penned by women these days it is always fun and interesting to read something written from the male perspective. With that difference and the fact that Elysium Tide is more mystery driven than romance, it can appeal to male and female readers alike – which is a positive thing in my estimation. Now, I'm just hoping to find out that James R. Hannibal might have a sequel to this book coming sometime...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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I struggled getting into this book. The beginning of the book was really detailed and highlighted a surgery and it was difficult to read for me. Fast forward to a bit of a choppy chase scene that had me completely confused and I was questioning if I had picked up the right book. It was too slow of a start for me and it wasn’t connected to any of the characters. I have heard nothing but good things, but this just wasn’t the book for me.

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Hawaiian Detective Lisa Kealoha and Dr. Peter Chesterfield, a London based gifted neurosurgeon, would probably never have met if it weren't for Peter's rather quirky personality, lack of people skills and his banishment to Maui for a medical symposium. He was sent there for good reasons and Lisa returned there from Los Angeles for her own reasons. Their paths cross when Peter tries to save a crime victim. The victim is someone Lisa knew well and now her death has become Lisa's case. Peter is analytical and loves a puzzle. He cannot let the mystery surrounding this case go and begins an investigation of his own. He very quickly becomes a source of annoyance to Lisa. Can either one of them solve this case or do they need each other to accomplish this?

The author brings to readers a plot with intrigues within intrigues. The various narratives twists, unlikely relationships, danger, wit, and rich subplots come together to create a thoroughly engrossing story. It is so well crafted that readers are kept guessing about who did what and why until the end. This story is all about its characters and they are well crafted. I found this book to be well worth reading and I am hoping for a sequel. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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With excellent, magnetic characters, surprising twists and turns and a plot that held me captive, Elysium Tide is exceptionally good! From the first chapter I was hooked! James R. Hannibal is a new-to-me author and I am so glad I took the time to dive into his rich world of crime, thrilling suspense and heart-pounding action!

Dr. Peter Chesterfield, a British neurosurgeon with an ego larger than life, thrives on high-stress situations. When circumstances lead him to the beautiful and posh Elysium Grand Hotel on Maui, he meets his match in detective Lisa Kealoha. These main characters were intense, focused, brilliant and dynamic. I absolutely loved them and especially loved them working together! With a host of additional characters that are immensely enjoyable as well, Hannibal created a story that kept me devouring the pages as his plot thickened with unpredictable events and mind-bending twists.

I found the plot to be well constructed and highly entertaining. It moved at a great pace that kept me invested throughout the novel.

The location was simply divine! Hannibal made the luxurious Elysium Grand, cane fields and volcanic valleys of Maui come alive with his vivid descriptions, transporting me to a tropical, fictional world that I rather enjoyed!

The banter, sarcasm and wit Hannibal wove into the story had me smiling and chuckling out loud several times, infusing a very intense story of high crime with humor and lightheartedness, furthering my love of these characters who came across as real and authentic. There is also the slightest hint of romance (perhaps just attraction), here, as well. However, this story didn’t even need that. It was just an additional layer that furthered the magnetism of this story for me.

Hannibal also wove in some great faith-based elements, with an unique perspective on atheism and the question of life after death. My only wish is that Dr. Chesterfield’s musings and questions were answered better in this story, but perhaps that may be in a book to come? One can only hope we haven’t seen the last of Peter and Lisa!

Overall, Elysium Tide is a well-written, well-executed novel with intriguing characters and thrilling suspense! This novel is clean fiction and does not involve a romance. It is something that both secular and Christian readers might enjoy. In addition, it is fast-paced and hard to put down! It is the perfect summer read! I definitely recommend this novel and can’t wait to dive into the other books this author has written. For readers who enjoy suspense by Tom Threadgill, Melissa Koslin or Carrie Stuart Parks, they should definitely check out this author as well.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

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Elysium Tide was a unique mystery thriller with a side of medical drama to go along with it. We have two very different characters, yet they have a same love and drive for their chosen careers.

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is a brilliant neurosurgeon who knows how to save lives and if I needed a doctor for my brain, I would definitely want one like him. But he is a little rough around the edges and his mouth can get him into trouble. So his colleagues think it is time for him to take a break from the Royal London Hospital and go to Maui for some seminars. Peter was not for that, but given no choice he concedes, only to get drawn up into a murder mystery that he begins working with a local detective.

Detective Lisa Kealoha takes her job very seriously as well. After hanging out with the wrong kind of people in her youth, she has come back home as a police detective. She is tough and no nonsense and she really wants those she cares about to make the right decisions and turn their lives around. Like she did. However, they see her as a cop and because of that they are not willing to give her any information on the string of crimes she is investigating.

Lisa and Peter are destined to meet even though they come at the problem from different sides. They made a good team as they learned to work together and deal with each other's hang ups.

I liked Peter. He was very particular about his job and pretty much all the details of his life. He came off a bit cold, but he was who he was.

Lisa I liked as well, she was determined to correct as many wrongs as she could. They made a great team reminding me of some of my favorite crime TV show characters.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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